With the fierce competition that comes with the job search, you need to do something to make yourself stand out from the other applicants.
There are a few ways to approach this challenge. Some have taken to unique resume templates. Others have taken an even more outside-of-the-box approach with creating new, creative resume formats—such as the young marketing professional who delivered donuts to several potential employers.
But there’s another way to capture a hiring manager’s attention—a video resume.
In this article, we’re going to explain what a video resume entails, share tips on creating one, and share a few examples.
Let’s get started.
What is a video resume?
A video resume is pretty self-explanatory: it is your resume in video form.
This doesn’t mean putting yourself on camera and reading your resume word for word. Who would want to see that awkward display? Instead, it’s a way for you to share the information in your resume in a visual way.
This probably sounds like a lot of work, especially if you are applying to several roles. But it is a valuable approach! The benefits of submitting a video resume include:
- Standing out from other applicants
- Showing your creative side
- Sharing a bit of your personality
- Providing hiring managers with a face instead of just a name
Ideally, a video resume will supplement all your other efforts. That’s why we recommend sending in your resume and cover letter the traditional way. Then, include a link to your video resume in the online application. Other options include locating the email address of the hiring manager or sending them a message on LinkedIn.
So, how do you put together a video resume? We’ll share tips below.
How do you create a video resume?
Not everyone has video filming and editing experience—in fact, most people don’t. But there are several video editing programs for beginners, including the following:
But before we dive in deep with editing, let’s back up a bit and talk about the filming.
Filming your video resume
If you have a nice camera and tripod, go ahead and film yourself that way. But if you are the average person applying for a position, you don’t need fancy equipment.
Most people’s phones will capture decent video. And you can create a makeshift tripod using objects around your place—anything that’ll keep your video where you want it to focus. Also, make sure you are videoing in landscape mode, not portrait mode—it’s easier for editing.
This goes without saying, but make sure you dress professionally. Also, do a few practice runs of what you plan to say.
Speaking of, how do you decide what to say in your video resume?
Preparing a script for your video resume
It’s important to prepare exactly what you want to share before you jump on camera. You don’t want to “wing it” when it comes to creating your video resume.
Choose some of the most important aspects of your resume to highlight on camera. Measurable results are especially important.
Rehearse your script a few times. You want to sound like you are having a conversation with the hiring manager. The less you sound as if you are reading something off of paper, the better.
Editing your video resume
As we highlighted above, there are several programs you can use that are easy for beginners. Remember, if you are stumped with any specific video editing details or tools, there is a YouTube video for basically anything.
Also, we recommend varying the content within your video resume. Include the shots that you filmed of yourself, but also collect images of anyone you are including as a reference and maybe try to find some stock videos. You can find free stock videos at the following websites:
For more details about how exactly to edit together your video resume, we recommend checking out Self Made Millennial’s YouTube video below. In it, Madeline Mann breaks down the process so anyone can take on creating their own video resume:
Your video resume needs to reflect who you are, so while we shared tips above, you need to make it your own.
Below, we’ll share a few examples of video resumes where applicants showed employers exactly who they are and what they have to offer.
Video Resume Examples
It’s challenging to create something when you haven’t seen what it looks like. That’s why we searched YouTube to share a few video resume examples that’ll show you how you can create your own.
Mark Leruste
In this video, Mark Leruste does a great job of showing exactly who he is—and what a future employer can expect if they hire him. He breaks down a bit of his background, shares some activities he enjoys outside of work, and finishes up the video with an explanation of why he’d be the best fit for the role.
If you think about it, this video answers several of the key questions usually asked in an interview:
- What is your background in this field?
- What skills would you bring to this role?
- What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
It also does so in a way that highlights his humor and personality. Even in the hobbies section of the CV (which is basically a more in-depth resume used outside of the US and Canada), his favorite pastimes highlight a bit of who he is and the hard work, dedication, social skills, and creativity he’d bring to the job.
Arthur Coppens
While Arthur doesn’t play up the camera as much as Mark did in his video resume, he stands out for other reasons. The best part of Arthur’s resume is how well he visualizes his accomplishments. Throughout the video, you can actually see the different logos and projects he created with the programs he highlights. He also includes measurable results in the video.
Arthur’s video resume shows hiring managers the programs he knows, how well he knows them, the work he’s produced with them, and a bit of his personality.
Laura Harris
Laura’s video outlines who she is, what she knows, and what you can expect from her. She does a phenomenal job of showing off her personality while staying professional and on-topic.
She also provides valuable information highlighting her work. You can see exactly what she has done in the past, the programs she is familiar with, and the coding languages she knows.
Again, we recommend submitting a video resume along with your traditional resume. If you’re looking for help creating this traditional resume, check out our free resume builder below!